AQA GCSE Engineering specification (8852)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE Engineering exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA GCSE Engineering specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA GCSE Engineering (8852) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA GCSE in Engineering offers students a gateway into the evolving world of design, manufacturing and systems technologies. It equips learners with the practical and theoretical knowledge to engineer functioning products, while fostering creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking. Through engaging content and project-based learning, students develop skills in drawing, CAD/CAM, materials selection, and system integration. The course also explores the impact of engineering on society and the environment, and provides a strong foundation for progression into technical and vocational pathways or A-level studies:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 Engineering materials
- Identify metals, polymers, composites and ceramics by properties like toughness, ductility, hardness
- Know physical behaviours (machining, shaping, corrosion, alloying)
- Compare cost, availability and form; understand recyclability and machinability
- Evaluate materials in terms of supply, energy use and environmental impact
3.2 Engineering manufacturing processes
- Understand additive (3D printing, sintering) and subtractive (cutting, drilling, milling) methods
- Know forming/shaping processes: bending, stamping, casting, moulding
- Learn joining methods: welding, soldering, fastenings
- Recognise surface finishing and heat/chemical treatments
- Associate manufacturing methods with specific materials
3.3 Systems
- Design mechanical systems: gear trains, pulleys, cams, linkages
- Study electrical/electronic systems: inputs, outputs, logic gates, programmable components
- Understand pneumatic/hydraulic circuits
- Use system diagrams and flowcharts; know structural system forces (torsion, buckling, stress)
3.4 Testing and investigation
- Use CAD and simulations to model system performance
- Apply calculations: force, area, density, Young’s modulus, resistance
- Conduct destructive and non-destructive tests
- Evaluate control systems and test outcomes; apply quality control
3.5 The impact of modern technologies
- Explore how emerging tech affects production, sustainability and society
- Consider social/economic impact of engineering industries
3.6 Practical engineering skills
- Apply systematic problem-solving and technical drawing (CAD, orthographic, schematic)
- Model and prototype using CAM and CNC
- Follow production plans; test, evaluate and improve solutions
- Manufacture using a variety of tools, processes and quality control methods:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Written Paper
- 2 hours
- 120 marks
- 60% of GCSE
- Assesses all six content areas
- Includes: multiple choice, short answers (including calculations), practical-based questions and extended responses
Non-exam assessment (NEA)
- 30 hours approx.
- 80 marks
- 40% of GCSE
- Practical ‘design and make’ project based on a contextual brief released by AQA (1 June annually)
- Includes: drawings/schematics, working prototype, testing and evaluation
- Assessed via six criteria: problem-solving, drawings, production planning, engineering skills, systems application, testing/evaluation
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Demonstrate engineering knowledge – 25%
- AO2: Apply knowledge and skills – 50%
- AO3: Analyse and evaluate – 25%
Maths Requirement
- At least 15% of exam assesses mathematics in an engineering context :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE Engineering isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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